Men more likely to say alcohol can have health benefits

About four in ten (43%) Americans say they think that certain alcohols can offer health benefits

Some people might be thinking twice about that nightly glass of wine. A recent report in The Lancet medical journal suggests that “that the safest level of drinking is none," contradicting some previous studies which indicated that moderate alcohol consumption could have certain health benefits.

About four in ten (43%) Americans say they think that certain alcohols can offer health benefits, according to new research from YouGov Omnibus. Approximately one-third (32%) disagree.

Nearly half of men (47%) believe that certain alcohols can offer health benefits, compared to only 38% of women. Women were nearly evenly split: while 38% believe alcohol has health benefits, 35% say they don’t think it does. Only 29% of men say they don’t think alcohol has any health benefits.

Across age groups, older Americans tend to be more likely to say alcohol has health benefits. Almost half (46%) of people 55 and older say there are some health benefits, while 30% in this group say there are none. Among 18-24-year olds, 34% believe in the benefits of drinking, while 37% do not. People who are 25-34 years old are exactly evenly split: 37% believe in some health benefits from alcohol and 37% do not.

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